The world of luxury is a distant dream for those who are far from it. For someone who has neither access nor updates on the luxury money can buy, the world of luxury remains a source of ceaseless wonder. The term ‘luxury’ used to bring images of grand, sprawling mansions in opulent finishes, tucked away at stunning locations, with extensive and intricate details and rich artisan works into our minds. However, a while ago, the grandeur was completely opted out while luxury enthusiasts were all for ultra-minimal spaces and neutral interiors in luxurious finishes. Recently, the obsession has been about integrating smart home features into these properties- bringing together sophistication and cutting-edge technology. And so, in today’s market what differentiates luxury and ultra-luxury is smart features. From automated lighting and bespoke design elements to state-of-the-art security systems, smart home features are increasingly becoming synonymous with the definition of luxury living.
Technology Shapes Luxury
Along with the rapid growth in technology, steady advancements are taking place in smart home features too. The developments in connectivity, Artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) have facilitated the growth of smart home features. What was once considered futuristic are now realities, with a wide variety of devices designed to enhance security, efficiency, and convenience in homes. Luxury realtors and housing developers recognized the growing demand for smart home features and embraced the trend wholeheartedly. Thus, the luxury homes of today boast more than just marble floors and panoramic views- they carry the epitome of convenient living.
Even though the extent of automation may be down to personal preferences, what is certain is that smart home features add to the desirability of a property and ultimately to its value. Some of the major reasons are listed below:
- Convenience: The main perk of technological advancements is the convenience it provides. Smart devices ensure easy control and management of various parts of the house from a single device. Turning on/off lights, adjusting temperature, and controlling the security system is all a matter of a few taps on the screen.
- Accessibility: Along with simplifying daily tasks, smart homes also improve accessibility to people with physical limitations. Smart gadgets such as speakers and digital assistants offer hands-free, voice-controlled options, making tasks, and life in general, easier for everyone.
- Remote Monitoring: Linking one’s smart home system to their devices like mobile phones or tablets, lets them monitor their house from anywhere, anytime. Owners need not worry about break-ins or accidentally leaving the stove on when they are away. A smart home ensures the safety and security of one’s family and property even in their absence.
- Increased Safety and Security: As mentioned in the previous point, smart security systems can alert individuals and help prevent break-ins, even when they are far away from home. One can lock or unlock doors, set up video doorbells that notify the owner when visitors arrive, or install sensors that detect suspicious motions in the house. Smart smoke detectors alert individuals if an alarm is triggered, even when they are away.
- Energy Efficiency: Contrary to the common misconception that smart appliances use up more electricity, they are designed to optimize energy usage and carbon emissions. Lights with motion sensors are a great example. A study published in Environmental International found that shifting to an automated home can help reduce carbon emissions by over 12%. Additionally, it will result in overall lesser energy consumption resulting in lower electricity bills.
- Time-Saving: By elevating convenience to a new level, smart devices will leave homeowners with spare time to do things they like.
- Customization: Smart home technologies offer extensive customization options, allowing individuals to tailor their devices and systems according to their requirements and preferences. It can be adjusted to suit diverse lifestyles and needs.
Other advantages include increased comfort and coziness and increased market value of the property.
Trending Smart Home Updates
Since it’s clear how smart features are now a crucial part of luxury housing, let us take a look at some of the most trending smart home features in demand in luxury housing.
Smart Speakers or Voice Assistants
Voice assistants are one of the fundamental elements of what makes a home smart. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are examples. They function as a command center for lights, smart televisions, and other outlets, allowing users full control of all their smart appliances through voice commands. Robots integrated with these features are the latest buzz- Samsung’s Ballie is the latest appliance launched in this category. It is a machine assistant.
Security Systems
Smart security systems offer an additional layer of safety for a home and lets the user monitor the property remotely. Live video surveillance footage can be watched from anywhere on a phone or wireless device. These systems boast many features that can’t be found in typical security devices, like advanced motion detectors, real-time alerts, two-way audio functionality, smart locks etc.
Home Entertainment Systems
Another essential component of a luxurious smart home is a full-fledged home entertainment system. Smart TVs, soundbars, and streaming devices enable access to entertainment from anywhere in the home. A complete home theater is another component.
Smart Kitchens
A kitchen is the heart of a home and hence, it is essential to integrate smart technology into kitchen appliances. From smart mixers to wi-fi enabled toasters, a wide variety of innovative kitchen tools are currently available in the market. For example, smart range hoods increased control via apps, allowing users to adjust the filter intensity, fan levels, and automatic show-down settings. Designed with energy-saving technology, some range hoods also come with touch-enabled screens for centralized control. Remote cooking is also an option, thanks to smart cooking pots.
Smart Cleaning Tools
Cleaning is probably the first thing humans wanted technology to take over. That’s how we had the birth of washing machines and dishwashers. Recently it has evolved into mopping and vacuum robots. Robot vacuums these days come with numerous features and improved designs. They can be programmed to clean specific parts of a room, or many rooms in one go. They can also clean various surfaces like hardwood floors, carpets, and tiles.
Another work humans probably wanted technology to take over is lawn-mowing and thankfully today, robotic mowers are coming with tons of features and options and also in many various budgets, to make our chores a breeze.
From Dimming Lights to Automated Blinds and Customizable Toilets
Smart features are now integrated into almost every home appliance. What is more interesting is that they are not as energy-intensive as one might think they are. Almost all smart devices are designed to reduce energy usage. Additionally, solar panels, smart thermostats, motion-sensor lights, etc. reduce unwanted energy usage and carbon footprints, aligning with the eco-conscious values of many luxury homeowners.
From controlling the intensity of lights and convenient toilet seats to creating customized environments indoors for relaxation, smart home features are many- making life easier all at once.
Conclusion- Luxury redefined
As we explored, luxury housing has completely embraced smart home features, blending elegance and technology and redefining luxury. By perfectly integrating technology into luxury living, we create environments that are not just comfortable, convenient, and luxurious, but also intelligent, responsive, and personalized. As technology continues to evolve, so will the features of smart homes too, blurring the lines between luxury living and intelligent living. It offers us a glimpse into the future when soon smart homes will become a part of everyday living, and not just restricted to the luxury sector.
References:
15 Best Smart Features to Upgrade Your Luxury Home. (2024, January 14). Retrieved February 12, 2024, from The Dream Homes Specialist: https://thedhs.com/blog/15-best-smart-features-to-upgrade-your-luxury-home
DePino, F. (2024, January 25). Luxury Housing Market – New Trends and Insights. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from Mediaboom: https://mediaboom.com/news/luxury-housing-market/
Rey, J. (2024, January 04). The Future of Luxury Living: Smart Homes. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from Joyce Rey: https://joycerey.com/blog/the-future-of-luxury-living-smart-homes/
The Benefits of Smart Home Technology: Top Features For A Connected Home. (2023, July 13). Retrieved February 12, 2024, from Adani Realty: https://www.adanirealty.com/blogs/benefits-of-smart-home-technology
Images:
- A Luxury house_© mediaboom.com
- Smart Home Technology has been gaining popularity_© adanirealty.com
- Remote Monitoring: one of the most convenient features of smart homes_© aspireluxuryproperties.com
- The combination of home automation and projection makes Ballie an entertaining smart home hub on the move_© The Indian Express
- Smart security systems let us monitor our property from our mobile devices_© ultimatesecurity.com.au
- Smart home entertainment systems_© www.audioadvice.com
- Rangehoods with touchscreen for centralized control_© kbbonline.com
- Robotic vacuum cleaners clean a variety of surfaces_© thegadgetflow.com
